Key Verse: “And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters. And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain” (Nehemiah 3:12,22).

Bible Text: 3:6-22 – DCLM Daily Manna 3 August 2018

Message: Commenting on leadership ability to understand people’s mood and take appropriate action, a Scottish philosopher, Francis Hutcheson said, “Action is best when it procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers”.

Nehemiah, which means, “The Lord comforts”, was the personal cupbearer to the Persian king, Artaxerxes. He received permission from the king to go to Judah to restore his people’s fortunes. This did not come on a platter of gold but until after he had been informed that “the remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire” (Nehemiah 1:3). This prompted him to fast and seek God’s face in prayer. Nehemiah mobilised the people and the rebuilding of Jerusalem walls became a matter of national emergency. Everyone was involved.

Today, many places of worship look more like poultry than God’s houses; some even without walls and gates. There is great need for leaders with vision and concern for the building of befitting places of worship for the Lord. These should be leaders, who like Nehemiah, will mobilise everyone for the attainment of noble objectives. All hands must be on deck as we all bear witness of God’s great provision for the redemption of lost mankind.

God in His mercy gave us the best through His Son’s death on the cross. The best service should flow from those redeemed by the blood to serve the living God.

Thought for the day: Standing out in true service to the Most High is a noble act.